PGA of Canada members play many roles in the Canadian golf industry, and our Code of Professional Practice is a guideline for ethical conduct in all of those roles. Above and beyond our roles, PGA of Canada members are professionals and at all times will aspire to hold themselves, their fellow members, and the PGA of Canada to conduct and practice standards befitting a professional in the golf industry.

This Code of Professional Practice is based on our core values: trusted brand, progressive leadership, and pride of membership. Each of the commitments set out below is framed by these values.

1. Our Commitment to Ourselves. We pledge to:

1.1 Maintain professional integrity, fidelity to the sport of golf, and a sense of great responsibility to employers, employees, manufacturers, golfers, and fellow professionals such that these notions transcend thought of material gain

1.2 Ensure that the terms ‘Golf Professional’ or ‘Professional Golfer’ are synonymous with honour, service, and fair dealing

1.3 Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal, and host country laws

1.4 Maintain a current awareness of PGA of Canada business, contemporary practices, and golf instruction techniques

1.5 Promote golf as a doping-free sport by abstaining from the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods and committing to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program

1.6 Comply, at all times, with the PGA of Canada’s bylaws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time

1.7 Avoid conduct unbecoming of a professional at all times

2. Our Commitment to the PGA of Canada. We pledge to:

2.1 Hold the brand of the PGA of Canada above our association(s) with any other organization, sponsor, product, or brand

2.2 Avoid any activity, conduct, or behaviour that brings the PGA of Canada or any of its representatives or members into disrepute, loss of stature, or public embarrassment

2.3 Never use our membership, standing, or position with the PGA of Canada as a means to earn illicit gains

2.4 Never abuse the privilege of our membership with the PGA of Canada

2.5 Promote the sport of golf in the most constructive and positive manner possible

2.6 Not act as a public spokesperson for the PGA of Canada unless authorized to do so by PGA of Canada officials

2.7 Publically support the decisions of the PGA of Canada and its elected officials, avoiding public criticism, disrespect, and opposition

2.8 Cooperate with the PGA of Canada with any investigation into member conduct or discipline

3. Our Commitment to Each Other. We pledge to:

3.1 Play, coach, or instruct at another member’s golf course or business establishment only by invitation or with the permission of the other member

3.2 Avoid causing public embarrassment to a fellow member, or engaging in communications about others that are defamatory

3.3 Refrain from coaching, instructing, or teaching an athlete or client who is currently being taught by another PGA of Canada member without that member’s express permission

4.3 Focus comments or criticism appropriately and avoid public criticism of athletes, coaches, instructors, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, or other members

4.4 Consistently demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship

4.5 Where appropriate, act to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory

4.6 Ensure adherence to the rules of golf and the spirit of those rules

4.7 Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group that is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious. Types of behaviour that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to: i. Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts ii. Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts iii. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures iv. Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to undermine self-esteem,

5.2 Avoid discrimination against individuals and promote a progressive, inclusive and safe atmosphere

5.3 Meet financial responsibilities, honour contracts and agreements, and adhere to all federal, provincial, and local employment and taxation laws or other requirements

5.4 Advertise and promote our services accurately and without misrepresentation

5.5 Never disparage or speak ill about another member who is competing for employment or business opportunities

Our members are accountable to the people we serve, to each other, and to our profession. Our collective commitment to this Code of Professional Practice is enforced by robust disciplinary procedures that ensure swift action should any of our members violate this Code.